Press mechanism and method of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

A number of variations may include a product comprising a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and lower binder together during at least part of the press movement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes molding devices including, but not limited to, presses

BACKGROUND

In a number of variations, some presses may use air cushions with delayed system, which may reduce efficiency in press operations.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

A number of variations may include a product which may include: a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement.

A number of variations may include a method which may include: providing a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement; lowering the upper binder of the upper die into contact with the lower binder of the lower die; mechanically locking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die; contacting the lower binder with the floor to form a die cavity; forming a part within the die cavity; raising the mechanically locked upper binder of the upper die and lower binder of the lower die from contact with the floor; unlocking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die using the press mechanism; and raising the upper die from the lower die

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing variations within the scope of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of a product according to a number of variations.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a product and method according to a number of variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses.

The Figures illustrate a product 10 according to a number of variations. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a press mechanism 201. In a number of variations, the press mechanism 201 may include a press slide 201A and press bolster 201B. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include an upper die 220 and a lower die 210. In a number of variations, the upper die 220 may include an upper binder 221. In a number of variations, the lower die may include at least one of a lower binder 210B or a floor or lower shoe 210A. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a locking mechanism 30. In a number of variations, the locking mechanism 30 may be constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder 221 and lower binder 210B together during at least part of the press movement. In a number of variations, the locking mechanism 30 may be constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder 221 and lower binder 210B together during the initial stage of opening and the final stage of closing of the product 10 or press mechanism 201. In a number of variations, the locking mechanism 30 may include at least one male attachment 32. In a number of variations, the male attachment 32 may include at least one main protrusion 32A. In a number of variations, the shaped protrusion 32A may include a T shaped protrusion. In a number of variations, the male attachment 32 may include at least one supporting protrusion 32B. In a number of variations, the supporting protrusion 32B may be a diagonally affixed protrusion. In a number of variations, the locking mechanism may include at least one female attachment 34. In a number of variations, the female attachment 34 may include at least one slider attachment 34A. In a number of variations, the slider attachment 34A may be diagonally affixed. As used herein the term “diagonal” may be any angle that is not perpendicular or parallel to the normal direction of the press. In a number of variations, the product 10 or locking mechanism may not include a pneumatic component or an air cushion. In a number of variations, the product 10 or locking mechanism 30 may not include an electrical component. In a number of variations, the upper die 220A may include guiding method 44 constructed and arranged to guide the upper die 220 into the lower die 210 during actuation of the press. In a number of variations, the lower die 210A may include guiding constructed and arranged to accept the lower die 210 into the upper die 220 during actuation of the press. In a number of variations, the female attachment 34 may include at least one spring loaded or pressure component 34C. In a number of variations, the product 10 may be a stamping press.

In a number of variations, the product 10 may be a forming press. In a number of variations, the press may include at least one of a hydraulic, mechanical, or pneumatic press. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a forging press, a draw press, a trim press, a cam press, a flange press, a press brake, a punch press, a screw press, a knuckle-joint press, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the product 10 may perform metal forming operations on a blank of material (e.g. metal) during a product cycle. In a number of variations, the press may be an underdrive press and may include a motor located under the floor 210A. In a number of variations, a plurality of pull rods may be located in the product 10 for moving the upper die 220 in the downward direction toward the lower die 210. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include strain gauges to collect data during press operation and may be mounted at a number of various locations on the press. During operation, a blank of material B may be placed in the product 10. In a number of variations, the upper die 220 may be lowered down to contact the lower die 210 to form a die cavity. In a number of variations, a part may be formed from the blank of material B within the die cavity. In a number of variations, the upper die 220 may be raised up to remove the formed part. In a number of variations, this process may repeat to form a plurality of parts. In a number of variations, the product 10 may be used in vehicle manufacturing to make parts including, but not limited to, body panels, fenders, door casings, wheel wells, engine hoods, or may be another part. In a number of variations, the product 10 or locking mechanism 30 may allow for better waste management of the raw materials used in the product 10 and higher productivity.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a number of variations, the product 10, may work as press equipment 201. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 may be, but is not limited to, a draw die. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 may include a lower die 210 and an upper die 220. In a number of variations, at least one of the upper die 220 or the lower die 210 may include a piston feature which may cushion the upper die 220 into the lower die 210 or cushion the lower die 210 into the upper die 220. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 lower die 210 may include a bolster 201B positioned on its lower portion. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 upper die 220 may include a slide 201A positioned on its upper portion. In a number of variations, the bolster 201B may stay stationary and the slide 201A may move upward or downward during a press movement. A press movement may be defined as a positional change in at least one of the components of the press equipment 201.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a number of variations, the product 10, press mechanism 100 or product 10 may work as press equipment 201. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 may be, but is not limited to, a draw die. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 may include a lower die 210 and an upper die 220. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 lower die 210 may include a bolster 201B positioned on its lower portion. In a number of variations, the press equipment 201 upper die 220 may include a slide 201A positioned on its upper portion. In a number of variations, the bolster 201B may stay stationary and the slide 201A may move upward or downward during a press movement. A press movement may be defined as a positional change in at least one of the components of the press equipment 201.

In a number of variations, the lower die 210 may comprise three main components: a lower shoe 210A, lower binder 210B and punch 210C, a variation of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. In a number of variations, the lower die 210 may comprise many additional components and numerous variations of design. In a number of variations, the lower shoe 210A and punch 210C may be stationary during the press movement. In a number of variations, the lower binder 210B may move upward and downward by any kind of pressure system. Referring to FIG. 3, in a number of variations, the upper die 220 may comprise two main components: an upper shoe 220A and upper cap 220B. In a number of variations, the upper die 220 comprises may comprise many additional components and numerous variations of design. In a number of variations, the upper binder 221 may be used during the press movement, however, its use may make the press design more complex because its use requires a system for locking it closed during at least a part of the press movement (slide up and down). In a number of variations, any movement of the upper binder 221 during the press movement may cause damages in the sheet metal part and/or die components. In a number of variations, the upper binder 221 may require any type of pressure system, designed according to the needs. In a number of variations, presses may comprise “delayed” air pressure systems, which may make the lower binder in its home position when the upper binder 221 may release the sheet metal part. In a number of variations, it may work properly, however it may reduce the efficiency in press operation.

In a number of variations, the locking mechanism 30 may be mechanical and independent of any press system, such as electrical or pneumatic signals. No delay may be predicted during the draw operation. In a number of variations, the locking mechanism may include a portion installed into lower binder 210B and lower shoe 210A at the lower die 210 and a portion installed into the upper binder 221 at upper die 220. In a number of variations, the female attachment 34 may be attached to the lower binder 210B and lower shoe 210A at the lower die 210 and may include at least one slider attachment 34A, a variation of which is illustrated in FIG. 4. In a number of variations, the male attachment 32 may be attached to the upper binder at the upper die 220 and may include a main protrusion 32A and a plurality of supporting protrusions 32B, a variation of which is illustrated in FIG. 5 (shown upside down).

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, in a number of variations, the lower portion of locking mechanism 30 may comprise the female slider attachment 34A and a plurality of female attachment drivers 34B. In a number of variations, the design of female slider attachment 34A may vary according to die room, material to be used, guiding, travel, retainers, or may be another reason. In a number of variations, the female slider attachment 34A may be installed into the lower binder 210B and guided by wear plates or any of other type of guiding. In a number of variations, a female attachment pressure component 34C may be designed to return the female slider attachment 34A to home position on the exterior edges of the female attachment drivers 34B. In a number of variations, the design of drivers 34B may vary according to die room, material to be used, slide travel, or may be another reason. In a number of variations, the drivers 34B may be installed into the lower shoe 210B.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, in a number of variations, the main protrusion 32A may include a “T” lock component 224A and the main protrusion 32A, male attachment 32 or locking system 30 may further comprise a plurality of back-up plates or supporting protrusions 32B. In a number of variations, the design of “T” lock component 224A may vary according to die room, material to be used, guiding, travel, retainer, etc. In a number of variations, “T” lock components 224A, a variation of which is illustrated in FIG. 9, may comprise at least one of the following sub-components: a lock plate 224B, body 224C, pressure component 224D or retainer plate 224E. In a number of variations, the “T” lock component 224A may be installed into upper binder 221 and guided by wear plates or any other type of guiding. In a number of variations, a pressure component 224D may be designed to return “T” Lock component 224A to home position where the body 224C abuts the upper binder 221. In a number of variations, the design of back-up plates or supporting protrusions 32B may vary according to die room and material to be used. In a number of variations, the back-up plates or supporting protrusions 32B may be installed onto upper binder 221.

FIGS. 10-19 illustrate a number of variations of how the locking mechanism 30 may work in a press cycle or press movement to form a part (not illustrated). The bolster 201B and slide 201A are not shown in these figures but may remain present according to a number of variations. Die components, such as guiding, locators, retainers, fastenings are not shown in the figures but may remain present according to a number of variations.

In a number of variations, FIG. 10 illustrated the press equipment 201 in an open position. In a number of variations, the lower die 210 may be attached to the press bolster 201B by the lower shoe 210A and the upper die 220 may be attached to the press slide at the top of a press slide stroke by the upper shoe 220A. In a number of variations, the lower binder 210B, shown opened, means that the pressure system, not shown in the figure, may be activated. In a number of variations, the female slider attachments 34A may be in the back positions driven by its female attachment pressure components 34C. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper binder 221 may be shown opened, which means the pressure system 223 may be activated. In a number of variations, at this position, the “T” lock component 224A may be opened by its pressure component 224D. In this stage of press cycle, the “blank” B may be loaded into the die on the lower binder 210B.

In a number of variations, FIG. 11 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate first closing position. In a number of variations, at this position, the lock plate 224A may hit the female slider attachments 34A after the upper die 220 may move downward from press slide. In a number of variations, at this position, the remaining components are not changed from FIG. 10.

In a number of variations, FIG. 12 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate second closing position. In a number of variations, at this position, the blank may be wrapped between lower binder 2106 and upper cap/upper shoe 220A. In a number of variations, at this position, from now, the draw operation may start. In a number of variations, at this position, because of high pressure of lower binder 21062, the pressure component 224D may collapse. In a number of variations, at this position, the “T” lock component may move up until it may hit the upper binder 221. In a number of variations, at this position, the lower binder 210B and Upper Binder 221 may still be opened. In a number of variations, at this position, the female slider attachments 34A may still be in back position.

In a number of variations, FIG. 13 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate third closing position. In a number of variations, at this position, the lower binder 210B may be collapsed or pushed by the upper shoe 220A and the upper binder 221 and may hold the part against the lower punch 210C. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper binder 221 may still be opened. In a number of variations, at this position, the female slider attachments 34A are still in back position.

In a number of variations, FIG. 14 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate fourth closing position. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper binder 221 may become stationary, holding the part against lower punch 210C. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper shoe 220A may still be moving down, then the upper binder pressure system 223 may be collapsed. In a number of variations, at this position, the lower binder 210B may still be moving down until the female slider attachments 34A hit the male attachment supporting protrusions 32B. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper binder 221 may be stationary and the female slider attachments 34A may still be moving down, while pressure component 224D expands, moving the “T” lock component 224A down while keeping the lock plate 224B in contact with the female slider attachments 34A. In a number of variations, at this position, the female slider attachments 34A may start moving apart.

In a number of variations, FIG. 15 illustrates the press equipment 201 in a partially closed position. In a number of variations, at this position, the press slide may be on the lowest point of its stroke. In a number of variations, at this position, the lower binder 210B may be at a bottom position. In a number of variations, at this position, the part may be partially or fully formed. In a number of variations, at this position, the female attachment pressure components 34C may be collapsed and the female slider attachments 34A may be moved apart driven by female attachment drivers 34B. In a number of variations, FIG. 15 illustrates the previous instant before lock plate 224B moves down and locks the female slider attachments 34A against the male attachment supporting protrusions 32B. In a number of variations, FIG. 16 illustrates the press equipment 201 in a fully closed position. In a fully closed position, the pressure component 224D will expand fully and push down the “T” lock component 224A between the female slider attachments 34A.

In a number of variations, FIG. 17 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate opening position where the press slide may be moved up as the lower binder 210B moves to an opened position. In a number of variations, at this position, the upper cap/upper shoe 220A and upper binder 221 may have already released the part fully formed. In a number of variations, at this position, the locking mechanism 30 may keep the upper binder 221 in the closed position.

In a number of variations, FIG. 18 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate second opening position. In a number of variations, at this position, the press slide may be moved up and upper binder pressure component 223 may be fully expanded. In a number of variations, at this position, the locking mechanism 30 may keep the upper binder 221 in the closed position.

In a number of variations, FIG. 19 illustrates the press equipment 201 in an intermediate third opening position. In a number of variations, at this position, the press slide moves up until lock plate 224B releases female slide attachments 34A. In a number of variations, at this position, the pressure components 34C expand and push which releases female slide attachments 34A to back position, a variation of which is illustrated in FIG. 12. In a number of variations, from there the press equipment 201 opens into the positions shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 10 until it is in an open position.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Variation 1 may include a product comprising: a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement.

Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variation 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a T shaped protrusion male attachment and a plurality of diagonally affixed slider female attachments.

Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the press mechanism does not include a pneumatic component.

Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-3 wherein the press mechanism does not include an electrical component.

Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the upper die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-5 wherein the lower die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 7 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-6 wherein the upper die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to guide the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-7 wherein the lower die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to accept the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 2-8 wherein the female attachments comprise at least one spring loaded component.

Variation 10 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-9 wherein the floor comprises a diagonally shaped acceptor platform.

Variation 11 may include a method comprising: providing a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement; lowering the upper binder of the upper die into contact with the lower binder of the lower die; mechanically locking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die; contacting the lower binder with the floor to form a mold cavity; forming a part within the mold cavity; raising the mechanically locked upper binder of the upper die and lower binder of the lower die from contact with the floor; unlocking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die using the press mechanism; and raising the upper die from the lower die.

Variation 12 may include a method as set forth in Variation 11 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a T shaped protrusion male attachment and a plurality of diagonally affixed slider female attachments.

Variation 13 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-12 wherein the press mechanism does not include a pneumatic component.

Variation 14 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-13 wherein the press mechanism does not include an electrical component.

Variation 15 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-14 wherein the upper die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 16 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-15 wherein the lower die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 17 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-16 wherein the upper die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to guide the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 18 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-17 wherein the lower die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to accept the upper die into the lower die.

Variation 19 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 12-18 wherein the female attachments comprise at least one spring loaded component.

Variation 20 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 11-19 wherein the floor comprises a diagonally shaped acceptor platform.

The above description of select variations within the scope of the invention is merely illustrative in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A product comprising: a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement.
 2. The product of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a T shaped protrusion male attachment and a plurality of diagonally affixed slider female attachments.
 3. The product of claim 1 wherein the press mechanism does not include a pneumatic component.
 4. The product of claim 1 wherein the press mechanism does not include an electrical component.
 5. The product of claim 1 wherein the upper die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.
 6. The product of claim 1 wherein the lower die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.
 7. The product of claim 1 wherein the upper die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to guide the upper die into the lower die.
 8. The product of claim 1 wherein the lower die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to accept the upper die into the lower die.
 9. The product of claim 2 wherein the female attachments comprise at least one spring loaded component.
 10. The product of claim 1 wherein the floor comprises a diagonally shaped acceptor platform.
 11. A method comprising: providing a press mechanism comprising a press comprising an upper die and a lower die, and a locking mechanism wherein the upper die comprises an upper binder and the lower die comprises a lower binder and a floor, and wherein the locking mechanism is constructed and arranged to mechanically lock the upper binder and the lower binder together during at least part of the press movement; lowering the upper binder of the upper die into contact with the lower binder of the lower die; mechanically locking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die; contacting the lower binder with the floor to form a mold cavity; forming a part within the mold cavity; raising the mechanically locked upper binder of the upper die and lower binder of the lower die from contact with the floor; unlocking the upper binder of the upper die and the lower binder of the lower die using the press mechanism; and raising the upper die from the lower die.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a T shaped protrusion male attachment and a plurality of diagonally affixed slider female attachments.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the press mechanism does not include a pneumatic component.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the press mechanism does not include an electrical component.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the upper die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the lower die comprises at least one piston constructed and arranged to cushion the upper die into the lower die.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the upper die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to guide the upper die into the lower die.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the lower die comprises a series of guiding pins constructed and arranged to accept the upper die into the lower die.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein the female attachments comprise at least one spring loaded component.
 20. The method of claim 11 wherein the floor comprises a diagonally shaped acceptor platform. 